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Michelle White may have committed suicide. For days, her body has lain in a cabin along with her terrified dog. So they call in Raine Stockton. Raine hardly has time for the poor dog she's named Hero. But as she falls for him, questions surface about his late owner-and Raine realizes that Hero may be the only witness to a murder.
230 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 7, 2007
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews
May 10, 2019
I liked this story, but somehow not as much as I did Rapid Fire(#2). I learned some amazing facts about the training of support dogs for people with disabilities. But somehow the information about dogs and their training overwhelmed the mystery rather than providing a backdrop. I found the mystery a bit far fetched, and Raine did some stupid, risky things, even for an amateur detective. Her off-again, on-again relationship with her ex-husband continued to fluctuate although maybe it was finally resolved by the end of the story. Its relevance to the investigation was minor. Still, the author writes well, and I look forward to reading the next one in the series sometime.
Most readers suggest that these are not necessary to be read in order, but, based on these first two I've read, I can say it depends what you are looking for. The mysteries are disconnected, but the characters evolve chronologically, so if you plan to read the series, it makes sense to read them in order.
Most readers suggest that these are not necessary to be read in order, but, based on these first two I've read, I can say it depends what you are looking for. The mysteries are disconnected, but the characters evolve chronologically, so if you plan to read the series, it makes sense to read them in order.
October 7, 2025
Rural dog trainer is in a bit of a pickle, considering taking back her ex-hsband, and some jerk bought land next to hers for a hunting lodge, and people shoot at her house.
Then a tourist with all kinds of health problems is found dead of a gunshot wound, and her husband seems to be missing, but the perp left her dog.
The solution is pretty lame, to be honest.
Then a tourist with all kinds of health problems is found dead of a gunshot wound, and her husband seems to be missing, but the perp left her dog.
The solution is pretty lame, to be honest.
June 18, 2013
This is a wonderful series for dog lovers, residents (or lovers) of the Smoky Mountains, and fans of light mysteries. The characters feel like people I have actually met in this region of the country. I recognize the personality types and the ethos described as genuine to the author's stated locale. The 4-star rating is specific to genre - fun, light mysteries. Looking forward to reading the rest of the series.
July 19, 2012
I love all the books in the Raine Stockton series but this one was especially good. Donna Ball really knows how to plot a good mystery and also weave in the details about service dogs, therapy dogs, and dog training. You can read this series in order or not. They work as stand alone mysteries but often refer back to previous books. I'm hooked!
July 28, 2012
Again... loved it. She uses rescue remedy for a scared dog. How cool is that? Favorite training tool is cheese and hot dogs!
May 11, 2022
Gun Shy
Raine Stockton Dog Mystery, Book #3
Donna Ball
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Hanover County draws tourists every fall to leaf-look and hike. But unlike them, Michelle White came to die. The cops don’t know if it was suicide, but for days, her body has lain in a cabin, her wheelchair toppled, her hand around a shotgun—and her terrified dog starving. So they call in Raine Stockton, known among these parts for her canny way with canines…
Busy with a thriving kennel business, an annoying new neighbor, four dogs, and an estranged husband looking to reunite, Raine hardly has time for the poor dog she’s named Hero. But as she falls for him, questions surface: Why were there no groceries, luggage, or dog food in the cabin? And if Michelle was paralyzed on her right side, why was the gun in her right hand? Only Hero knows…and it’s up to Raine to find out. (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Raine has her hands full with life, but when she is called to help a dog that has been traumatized, she is happy to help. The dog has been locked inside a cabin with his dead mistress and to say that he is stressed would be an understatement. Raine has got to try to figure out what happened and who is responsible. The only one that knows is the dog and so far he is not talking.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The story flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The mystery is well plotted and not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well plotted mystery. I love this book, and series, and I will definitely read them all. I want to see what happens to Raine, Cisco and all of the other characters.
Raine Stockton Dog Mystery, Book #3
Donna Ball
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Nestled in the foothills of the Smoky Mountains, Hanover County draws tourists every fall to leaf-look and hike. But unlike them, Michelle White came to die. The cops don’t know if it was suicide, but for days, her body has lain in a cabin, her wheelchair toppled, her hand around a shotgun—and her terrified dog starving. So they call in Raine Stockton, known among these parts for her canny way with canines…
Busy with a thriving kennel business, an annoying new neighbor, four dogs, and an estranged husband looking to reunite, Raine hardly has time for the poor dog she’s named Hero. But as she falls for him, questions surface: Why were there no groceries, luggage, or dog food in the cabin? And if Michelle was paralyzed on her right side, why was the gun in her right hand? Only Hero knows…and it’s up to Raine to find out. (Amazon)
Review:
The characters are well rounded and well developed. Raine has her hands full with life, but when she is called to help a dog that has been traumatized, she is happy to help. The dog has been locked inside a cabin with his dead mistress and to say that he is stressed would be an understatement. Raine has got to try to figure out what happened and who is responsible. The only one that knows is the dog and so far he is not talking.
The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and these descriptions pulled me into the story from the very beginning. The story flows smoothly and it defines the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The mystery is well plotted and not easily solved.
I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well plotted mystery. I love this book, and series, and I will definitely read them all. I want to see what happens to Raine, Cisco and all of the other characters.
August 22, 2018
I read the first book in this series a few months ago and liked it quite a bit so I decided to get the next book. Somehow I bought the third book instead of the first one! I will go back and read the second, but I didn't have too much trouble figuring out what was going on.
I've been reading quite a few dog stories this year. I especially like books about working dogs--search-and-rescue dogs, dogs working for the police or military--but I also want the dogs not put in unnecessary jeopardy and I want the stories to end well. I don't like the books that end with the dog's death.
I liked this book a little better than the first book, but that may just be because I know and like the characters and got to know them a little better. I do think it was a little more nuanced than the first book. I like all the dogs in these books and this one is no exception. I enjoy reading about the things dogs can do and the fact that dogs have different temperaments and enjoy and excel at doing different things. I enjoyed the dancing dog as well as the search-and-rescue and agility dogs in this book. I'm hoping we get to know more about Raine's other dogs. So far they don't do too much except bark and run around!
There is one character in the book who can understand what dogs are thinking. I like that Raine is skeptical though the woman does tell her things Raine wouldn't otherwise know. I don't think people can "talk" to dogs, but I like the books so i can suspend some disbelief and the author does let the dogs be dogs and not have too many human characteristics. Raine's partner in her business is an experienced, no-nonsense dog trainer. She keeps Raine from anthropomorphising the dogs too much.
I liked the mystery and I liked the dogs and human characters just as much.
I've been reading quite a few dog stories this year. I especially like books about working dogs--search-and-rescue dogs, dogs working for the police or military--but I also want the dogs not put in unnecessary jeopardy and I want the stories to end well. I don't like the books that end with the dog's death.
I liked this book a little better than the first book, but that may just be because I know and like the characters and got to know them a little better. I do think it was a little more nuanced than the first book. I like all the dogs in these books and this one is no exception. I enjoy reading about the things dogs can do and the fact that dogs have different temperaments and enjoy and excel at doing different things. I enjoyed the dancing dog as well as the search-and-rescue and agility dogs in this book. I'm hoping we get to know more about Raine's other dogs. So far they don't do too much except bark and run around!
There is one character in the book who can understand what dogs are thinking. I like that Raine is skeptical though the woman does tell her things Raine wouldn't otherwise know. I don't think people can "talk" to dogs, but I like the books so i can suspend some disbelief and the author does let the dogs be dogs and not have too many human characteristics. Raine's partner in her business is an experienced, no-nonsense dog trainer. She keeps Raine from anthropomorphising the dogs too much.
I liked the mystery and I liked the dogs and human characters just as much.
December 3, 2016
An interesting story but the characters are all a bit flat. Too much dog talk (like being around pilots and hearing nothing but acronyms for an hour). I like dogs and animals in general (3 dogs and 3 cats in our household) but all the talk between the dog experts gets old really fast.
February 16, 2014
Another fun & well-written mystery in the Raine Stockton series by Donna Ball. I love dogs & mysteries and so what better than a novel that combines the two?
January 25, 2016
Satisfying doggie mystery - will be continuing with the series :)
March 16, 2022
Warning: Kept me up until 2 in the morning...
I love this series and took a moment to share that with you before I continue with book 4. Raine Stockton is an amazingly dedicated dog lover with an innate ability for crime solving. She isn't perfect. She's impulsive and stubborn, loyal to a fault but open to new relationships. Equal to her as a leading character are the dogs, especially the precocious, energetic, happy and lovable 'search and rescue' Golden retriever, Cisco. Author Donna Bell is able to bring you well inside the world of dogs with her words as she describes their behaviors, feeling and antics. I also love the inclusion of Sonny, animal communicator and environmental lawyer who helps us go deeper into the thoughts and feelings of her canine friends.
There is tragedy and romance but it's not taken to an extreme that would distract from the main purpose of these stories, which, from my POV is the dogs. As someone who recently lost my 16 year old pup, these stories come at the perfect time to transport me back to all the wonderful memories of that relationship without breaking my heart.
Now, on to book 4.
I love this series and took a moment to share that with you before I continue with book 4. Raine Stockton is an amazingly dedicated dog lover with an innate ability for crime solving. She isn't perfect. She's impulsive and stubborn, loyal to a fault but open to new relationships. Equal to her as a leading character are the dogs, especially the precocious, energetic, happy and lovable 'search and rescue' Golden retriever, Cisco. Author Donna Bell is able to bring you well inside the world of dogs with her words as she describes their behaviors, feeling and antics. I also love the inclusion of Sonny, animal communicator and environmental lawyer who helps us go deeper into the thoughts and feelings of her canine friends.
There is tragedy and romance but it's not taken to an extreme that would distract from the main purpose of these stories, which, from my POV is the dogs. As someone who recently lost my 16 year old pup, these stories come at the perfect time to transport me back to all the wonderful memories of that relationship without breaking my heart.
Now, on to book 4.
October 26, 2020
Third in the series for me, and what I said about the first still hold true:
Everything you might want in a K-9 mystery and more. Edge of the seat action. Endearingly imperfect dogs. A mystery plot that is believable and twisty. Characters you actually care about. Humor.
A mystery this good it hurts to put down. From about page...oh...one, I was hooked and determined to get to the end. Missing children have a way of doing that, not to mention search and rescue dogs and their owners with a certain snappy attitude that you can't help but like. I'm looking forward to the rest of them.
I have only one quibble with the series: some of them are kind of short. If they could only be three times as long!
Everything you might want in a K-9 mystery and more. Edge of the seat action. Endearingly imperfect dogs. A mystery plot that is believable and twisty. Characters you actually care about. Humor.
A mystery this good it hurts to put down. From about page...oh...one, I was hooked and determined to get to the end. Missing children have a way of doing that, not to mention search and rescue dogs and their owners with a certain snappy attitude that you can't help but like. I'm looking forward to the rest of them.
I have only one quibble with the series: some of them are kind of short. If they could only be three times as long!
August 5, 2024
Donna Ball is becoming one of my favorite authors, but because all of her series have ended, I've been parsing out her books so I don't run out of them any time soon :)
I like Raine, the MC, but I love the dogs in the story - her search & rescue partner Cisco, as well as Majesty, Magic, Mischief, Mystery, and the dog central to this particular story, Hero. We learn a lot in this book about service dogs, their training and how they are paired with individuals. It is obviously a lot of work, but the reward must be incredible.
A body is discovered very early in the book, so the rest of it is devoted to figuring out who the victim is, then to who committed the murder and why. Even well into the book, there weren't many suspects to consider, but then things started to fall into place and the guilty party became obvious. The motive, however, wasn't clear until just before it was revealed in the book.
I look forward to returning to the Smoky Mountains to see how some of the personal developments in this book play out as the series continues.
I like Raine, the MC, but I love the dogs in the story - her search & rescue partner Cisco, as well as Majesty, Magic, Mischief, Mystery, and the dog central to this particular story, Hero. We learn a lot in this book about service dogs, their training and how they are paired with individuals. It is obviously a lot of work, but the reward must be incredible.
A body is discovered very early in the book, so the rest of it is devoted to figuring out who the victim is, then to who committed the murder and why. Even well into the book, there weren't many suspects to consider, but then things started to fall into place and the guilty party became obvious. The motive, however, wasn't clear until just before it was revealed in the book.
I look forward to returning to the Smoky Mountains to see how some of the personal developments in this book play out as the series continues.
October 4, 2020
"Gun Shy" is about loss, betrayal, healing and love - it's also a murder mystery, but that's secondary.
In my review of "Smoky Mountain Tracks" (Book 1 in the series) I noted: -"you could take the mystery element out of it altogether leaving just a woman, a dog, and Search and Rescue and you'd have a pretty good read."
That applies even more to "Gun Shy".
I highly recommend it, it's not just for dog lovers, but for them it is a doggie treat :)
In my review of "Smoky Mountain Tracks" (Book 1 in the series) I noted: -"you could take the mystery element out of it altogether leaving just a woman, a dog, and Search and Rescue and you'd have a pretty good read."
That applies even more to "Gun Shy".
I highly recommend it, it's not just for dog lovers, but for them it is a doggie treat :)
September 20, 2021
This is the third in this series and I am in love with Donna Ball and Raine Stockton and Cisco and all the other dogs and some of the characters.....
Quick reads and very action packed but not scary. Yes, dogs are hurt but they recover with great care and loving. Yes, dogs are the heroes. This was the book about the dancing dog.
I love reading, hate writing these "reviews" or whatever they are. This is a great series for dog lovers and and quick reads that are unputdownable.
Quick reads and very action packed but not scary. Yes, dogs are hurt but they recover with great care and loving. Yes, dogs are the heroes. This was the book about the dancing dog.
I love reading, hate writing these "reviews" or whatever they are. This is a great series for dog lovers and and quick reads that are unputdownable.
December 11, 2021
I've been reading these books in order. This is by far the best book so far.
I found myself deeply engaged with the characters both canine and human. I was so enchanted with the dancing dog part of the story that I spent some time on YouTube looking at videos. So impressive!
I love the touch of sadness that Miss Ball introduced with the maturation of her characters. In order to move forward every character had to let go of something--expectations, assumptions and/or connections--never gracefully. I am very much on board.
I have already bought the next book.
I found myself deeply engaged with the characters both canine and human. I was so enchanted with the dancing dog part of the story that I spent some time on YouTube looking at videos. So impressive!
I love the touch of sadness that Miss Ball introduced with the maturation of her characters. In order to move forward every character had to let go of something--expectations, assumptions and/or connections--never gracefully. I am very much on board.
I have already bought the next book.
April 10, 2018
I want to like this series but....
I love dog mysteries! I have read three in this series and unfortunately this was the last. The main character Raine just comes off too stupid for words. Like not believable as a character who runs a business or trains dogs or even lives alone stupid! I just can't anymore. It's a shame because I love the dogs!
I love dog mysteries! I have read three in this series and unfortunately this was the last. The main character Raine just comes off too stupid for words. Like not believable as a character who runs a business or trains dogs or even lives alone stupid! I just can't anymore. It's a shame because I love the dogs!
December 31, 2018
Good read.
I'm enjoying this series of books. I've read several and finally decided to start with the 1st book and through them in order. I like this one best so far,,,becoz of the dogs, probably. This book has romance, death, and various dogs with different talents.
I hope you all enjoy it as I did. On to #4 in the series.
I'm enjoying this series of books. I've read several and finally decided to start with the 1st book and through them in order. I like this one best so far,,,becoz of the dogs, probably. This book has romance, death, and various dogs with different talents.
I hope you all enjoy it as I did. On to #4 in the series.
August 30, 2019
Great book for dog and mystery lovers!
The murder mystery was first-rate. Sometimes I find dog books can have a trite story but not so in this case. The details of dog training, kennels etc. were quite fascinating. Not necessary to be a dog lover to enjoy the book but probably helps!
The murder mystery was first-rate. Sometimes I find dog books can have a trite story but not so in this case. The details of dog training, kennels etc. were quite fascinating. Not necessary to be a dog lover to enjoy the book but probably helps!
February 17, 2018
Working dogs
S great book this mixed three story lines or more to become an exciting action filled book. Rains Stockton is less the hero than a pair of hero dogs. I think this book is readable by both young and old adults. I'm excited to read the next book in this series.
S great book this mixed three story lines or more to become an exciting action filled book. Rains Stockton is less the hero than a pair of hero dogs. I think this book is readable by both young and old adults. I'm excited to read the next book in this series.
May 7, 2018
Gun Shy was my third reading in the Raine Stockton series and, I think, my favorite so far.
I like the characters because they are so real. No phonies here. Looking forward to reading more
in this series.
I like the characters because they are so real. No phonies here. Looking forward to reading more
in this series.
August 21, 2018
Love for Cisco
Dog lovers will get a real kick out of this series, that features a service/rescue dog who's loaded with personality. And on the side, readers get a realistic look at search and rescue in a mountain community.
Dog lovers will get a real kick out of this series, that features a service/rescue dog who's loaded with personality. And on the side, readers get a realistic look at search and rescue in a mountain community.
July 4, 2021
Loved the service dog parts
Lots of story about dogs and particularly in this installment, about service dogs. Since I have one I found that particularly interesting and quite accurately represented.
Lots of story about dogs and particularly in this installment, about service dogs. Since I have one I found that particularly interesting and quite accurately represented.
July 22, 2021
I had skipped over this one because it cost more than the other books, so I knew some of the events that happened. I finally bought it with the help of a coupon. (I'm retired, so I have to watch those price points.) I think this one was my favorite in the series so far.
August 14, 2024
Well written and entertaining
I am really enjoying her books, the characters and the story lines. One thing I really appreciate is the length of the chapters, perfect for a short read before bed!
I am really enjoying her books, the characters and the story lines. One thing I really appreciate is the length of the chapters, perfect for a short read before bed!
June 13, 2017
each adventure gets better. love her dogs like my own
August 8, 2017
Great story with a suspenseful ending.
September 7, 2017
Have not read a bad one yet.👍
This far into a book series, and I am usually ready to start new one. This series still has me hooked though!
This far into a book series, and I am usually ready to start new one. This series still has me hooked though!
October 10, 2017
Fantastic
What a great book!! Had to read the whole thing through without stopping. It was a page turner, thrilling, and puzzling to figure out too. What a great series.
What a great book!! Had to read the whole thing through without stopping. It was a page turner, thrilling, and puzzling to figure out too. What a great series.
November 26, 2017
Enjoyable read!
I have enjoyed all three books of this series. The characters are interesting and not perfect people. The dogs add a nice element to the story.
I have enjoyed all three books of this series. The characters are interesting and not perfect people. The dogs add a nice element to the story.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 82 reviews